Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz has shared his reaction to the Rafael Devers trade, and he believes the stunning move should serve as a warning to other star players.
The Red Sox traded Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday for what most view as an underwhelming package of MLB players and prospects. In an interview with Yancen Pujols on Monday, Ortiz was asked for his thoughts on the blockbuster deal. He suggested Devers was traded because of the slugger’s ego.
Ortiz’s interview was in Spanish, but it was translated by reporter Marcos Grunfeld.
“No one is indispensable on a team. The only way to become indispensable is by doing things the right way, all the way around,” Ortiz said. “You need to be available. I think that marked the end of the relationship between the Red Sox and Devers.
“You have to be smart. A player’s worst enemy is his ego. And guess what teams do with your ego? They buy it.”
David Ortiz to @YancenPujols in Spanish: “No one is indispensable on a team. The only way to become indispensable is by doing things the right way, all the way around. You need to be available. I think that marked the end of the relationship between the Red Sox and Devers. You… https://t.co/fLhvxsVZ3g
— Marcos Grunfeld 🇮🇱 (@TheBeatwriter) June 16, 2025
The remarks from Ortiz are particularly notable because he had worked directly with Devers. Big Papi was spotted with Devers during spring training, and the belief was that the three-time World Series champion would help Devers with the transition from third base to designated hitter.
Like Devers, Ortiz was 28 when he became a full-time DH. Devers was openly unhappy when the Red Sox moved him to DH after signing Gold Glove-winning third baseman Alex Bregman, and Devers even suggested he might request a trade.
The relationship between Devers and the Red Sox only worsened after the team asked him to play first base following Triston Casas’ season ending injury.
Had Devers been more receptive to Ortiz’s advice, it is possible he would still be with the Red Sox. Perhaps he wanted to be traded, which would explain why the Hall of Famer could not get through to him.
